Judge Grants Injunction Preventing Amigone Crematory from Reopening

On Tuesday, May 3rd, Justice E. Jeannette Ogden granted an injunction preventing the Amigone Crematory from reopening, until the state Department of Environmental Conservation finds that the crematory is in compliance with permit requirements. Residents who packed the court room to hear the proceedings, were encouraged and relieved with this decision.

The crematory plagued families with smells and soot for decades in the Sheridan Gardens neighborhood in Tonawanda. In May of 2012, the Department of Environmental Conservation issued a serious notice of violation of environmental laws. Later that year, The Attorney General’s office issued an Assurance of Discontinuance that required the company to suspend operation due to the concerns of the community.

The company notified state authorities earlier this year with their intent to reopen, despite serious concerns over their operations. “Even after seeing the sworn affidavits from 43 residents, Town of Tonawanda Board members, and a notice of violation from the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Amigone’s refuse to admit there is a problem. It’s as if they’re above the law.” said Carol Fritsch, a resident who lives close to the crematory.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman released the following statement shortly after the court’s decision, “For years, my office has stood steadfastly with the Tonawanda community to protect their right to enjoy clean, fresh air. Today, the court agreed with my office, and required Amigone to obtain a state permit and implement effective pollution controls. This ruling will ensure that the Amigone crematory never again fouls air and disrupts lives in this community, and sends the message that companies whose facilities pollute our neighborhoods will be held accountable.”

Read more on this issue in The Buffalo News or on WKBW News